New Member; Old, Very Old Prius

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by FrankNPrius10, Aug 10, 2025 at 2:16 PM.

  1. FrankNPrius10

    FrankNPrius10 New Member

    Joined:
    Yesterday
    1
    2
    0
    Location:
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Greetings, fellow Prii owners. About a month ago we visited my daughter, etc., in Alameda, CA. I noticed a rather sad, basic 2010 Gen3 ignored in their courtyard, 203K miles on the clock. Yes, I could haul it away. In 3 days under that shade tree I:
    1. Changed all cooler fluids.
    2. Installed a new EGR from Jeff.
    3. Cleaned its cooler.
    4. Rotated the tires.
    5. Cleaned/lubed the caliper pins.
    6. Serviced the AC.
    We drove the 20 hrs back to CO, mostly desert, 10 at 80 mph, no problem. Back home, I:
    7. Changed out the dark molasses in the CVT for fresh pink from Lexus.
    8. Pulled the hybrid pack.
    9. Cleaned the cooling fan + all ductwork.
    10. Installed an Oil Catch Can system.
    11. Installed a new PCV valve.
    12. Cleaned the intake manifold.
    13. Replaced front fender liners while re-fastening fore and aft plastic body parts.
    14. Concurrently with the above, reconditioned 28 modules using two CQ3 rigs.
    The vehicle now has 206K, and hey, under 25 mph, it's running again in stealth mode.
    Next on the list:
    a) Change out the inverter pump - it's due (engine pump's been done).
    b) install a back-up camera - never had one.
    Running sweet so far. Rewarding.
    If anyone needs DIY how-to tips on the above, send it.
    Good luck, all.
    F
    PS. I have another 2010 that may need a bit more love. We'll see.
     
    bisco and PriusCamper like this.
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2012
    12,168
    4,939
    0
    Location:
    Pacific Northwest, USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Welcome to PriusChat! Very impressive first post... If we had a prize for most knowledgeable/well studied on needs of a gen3 on first post you'd win.

    Only thing I disagree with Gen3 owners on is replacing the inverter pump. That was a problem with a bad batch of Gen2 pumps that created a recall long ago and there's no problem with the lifespan of Gen3 inverter pumps, but most people on here replace it any way.

    When the time comes I'm certain you will be very pleased with the improved performance of a Sodium battery pack.

    Also when it's time to deal with headgasket and premature wear on piston rings that 2010 Prius are known for this guy in Oklahoma does high performance engine rebuilds for a super reasonable price: http://www.skimmilkhybrid.com/
     
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    112,687
    51,292
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    congrats and welcome, all the best!
     
    PriusCamper likes this.